Re: created a new database....why won't fields in our preferred layout show up?

Thanks for the response. How do I create an empty copy of the original database? I would have just copied the original database, but there are all those other files associated with it and I wasn't sure what to do.

Re: created a new database....why won't fields in our preferred layout show up?

In ACT 6, the layouts and supplemental files are specified on a per machine basis and set under tools preferences. You would make and empty copy by File, Save Copy (empty COpy) .

In New ACT (incase you were wondering) the layouts and supplental files are part of the database and do not need to be configfured on a per machine basais.

Generally, you are much better with only one database or as few as possible. Many people make lots of databases instead of just filtering the data in a single database. A single database is preferred as it will minimizee double data entry, duplicates, missed appts and just overal confusion.

Re: created a new database....why won't fields in our preferred layout show up?

Thanks for your response, Jon. OK, I need to make this happen, so I have some questions:

There are 27 files associated with our original database. I have copied them all and pasted to the same Database folder.

When I open the copied database in ACT, it basically looks like my original database.

I need to delete all the contacts within the copied database so I can populate it with a new range of contacts......is that going to cause a problem with the data from the original database? How do I empty the new database without causing problems to the old database?

Re: created a new database....why won't fields in our preferred layout show up?

"There are 27 files associated with our original database. I have copied them all and pasted to the same Database folder."

basically this just overwrites your existing database. When you go to clean this up, you will delete all of your original data. Messy, confusing, could lead to accidental deletion of your data due to identical file names. Lots of extra work.